News

We have a wonderful, diverse and dedicated group of staff at Tenison Woods College, but we often don’t know much about these individuals, even though they spend a great deal of their time at the College! Now and then, it’s nice to hear from staff; what they enjoy doing outside of work, any advice they may have for our community, any interests or passions they want to share. ‘Beyond the Role’ is a new addition to the Tenison Woods College newsletter which we hope will be warmly received by our College community. To end the first term of the year, we introduce a member of our Finance Department who has been brave enough to share a story which is not only close to her heart, but one she hopes will encourage others to reflect on their life and how precious family is…

My name is Annie Hall and I am the Finance Manager at Tenison Woods College. Since July last year – so for the last 9 months – my husband (Simon) and I have been travelling to Adelaide fortnightly for Simon to be treated under a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program facilitated through Hampstead Rehab in Adelaide. Only this week will we be attending our final rehabilitation sessions.

Simon was involved in a motor vehicle accident just over two years ago, prior to me starting at Tenison Woods College and since then every facet of our life has changed. Our priorities have shifted and what we once worried about just pales into insignificance. The energy and motivation required to get through trauma of any kind really is inspirational, and so many people around us have faced it or are amidst it, it just comes in different forms. If only that one person had taken more care, been more aware and followed the road rules, our life would be wrapped very differently. We all celebrate major achievements in life, and this journey is certainly our family’s major achievement.

There’s so much to say about our journey so far, but I guess the bit I am interested in sharing is along the lines of being thankful for your family and living in the moment. Letting your kids know you love them and you are always there for them and showing compassion for others because you never really know what struggles others could be facing in life. I also encourage you to take your time on the road and be extra cautious during busy traffic times – life is a true gift and the wrapping can be changed very easily.

Packing the car for our last Adelaide visit was bitter sweet. Reflecting on all the knowledge we have gained over the last 9 months, the constant travel, and navigating a new life for our family. It’s been like learning a new language and then teaching your extended family and friends how to talk it. Some can’t do it at all, some pick up a few key words and others that are exposed to more language can understand the sentences. Support of family and friends critically comes into play in times like these. We have also met some incredible people during the rehabilitation process and saying goodbye to them is very hard. They are now lifelong friends, who will always have a special place in our hearts.

Re-evaluating priorities for us as a family has been very difficult, yet rewarding. Our focus has been on getting back to basics and spending quality time together and concentrating on what we need as a family as opposed to what we think we want.

Life is precious, don’t take anything for granted.

Annie Hall

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